Focus on Kayak Safety Tips

Kayaking whether for sport, recreation or competition carries some risk of bodily injury.  It is possible to drown, get injured or get lost.  You don't want to become a kayaking statistic.  Limiting your risk of injury is just good common sense.

In no particular order here are some Basics for Kayaking Safety:

1. It is vital to know the rules of the water before you get out on it.  Take a safe boating course, if available in your area.  Federal waters including oceans, lakes and rivers may have channel markers, buoys and other signals.  You need to know what these markers signify.
2. Know your limitations and abilities.
3. Never paddle alone.
4. Wear a good quality personal flotation device (PFD), lifejacket or paddle vest preferably in a bright color so that others can see you on the water.  Make sure it is the correct size, has no obvious defects and is fastened properly before getting into your kayak.
5. Utilize a paddle leash to keep your kayak paddle from floating off should you drop it.
6. Wear a properly fitted kayak helmet and keep it strapped on should you be paddling in rocky areas, surfing waves or navigating fast moving waters.  One knock on an unprotected noggin is all it takes to render you unconscious or brain-damaged.
7. Wear protective foot gear.  You may have to get out of your kayak at some point and unprotected feet can be put to the test on sharp rocks, oyster shells, chunks of coral, glass shards, etc.
8. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on use of your kayak and gear (don't overload your kayak, don't tow it behind a motorboat, etc.).
9. Know what to do should you capsize.  Sooner or later you will fall off, or get knocked off or out of your kayak.  You need to be prepared.
10. Carry some sort of communications device (satellite phone, cell phone) in a buoyant waterproof (drybag) container in your kayak.
11. Carry some basic repair items (such as a roll of duct tape) for emergency repairs on your kayak and paddle.
12. Keep applying sunscreen to your exposed skin.
13. Have some basic first aid/emergency supplies including drinking water and a whistle.
14. Know the predicted weather patterns (and tides if you're in a coastal area) before you embark on an excursion.  Thunderstorms, wind, tides and wave action can have a disastrous effect on both you and your equipment.  You might find that it would be better to postpone or reschedule your trip in the face of inclement weather.
15. Be courteous to others while on the water (and off the water too, please).  Courteous behavior makes for a more pleasant paddling experience for everyone.